David Gonthier

David Gonthier is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. He holds a BS from Hope College (Biology), an MS from the University of Toledo (Ecology), and a PhD from the University of Michigan (Resource Ecology Management). His research focuses on agroecology, evaluating sustainable agricultural practices that balance environmental, economic, and social factors. Key areas include pest control, biodiversity conservation, and interdisciplinary studies on socio-economic barriers to sustainable farming.

His work emphasizes diversified farming systems, such as row covers, netting, and intercropping, to enhance crop resilience and profitability while reducing environmental harm. Collaborations with interdisciplinary teams address how ecological principles can inform farming practices. Recent studies highlight the role of natural enemies in pest management, the efficacy of physical barriers (e.g., fine-mesh nets), and the intersection of biodiversity with agricultural productivity.

• Lab: Gonthier Lab
• Focus: Agroecology, Sustainable Food Systems, Ecological Pest Management
• Key Projects: Impact of landscape complexity on pest dynamics, DNA metabarcoding for diet analysis in livestock, and socio-economic drivers of farming practices.

Publications emphasize practical solutions for organic and conventional farmers, aligning ecological science with real-world agricultural challenges.